The application process for two grant programs begins today.
The Investment and Innovation grants program is new this year, and seeks to award up to $3 million a year for three years to efforts to make more use of the garbage and recycling generated in greater Portland. The community enhancement grants have funded projects since 1986 that improve the quality of life in neighborhoods near the Metro Central transfer station.
The process to apply is different for each program. Here’s a quick overview of both, and links to more details.
Investment and Innovation grants
This is the first year of a new grant program.
How much money is available?
Metro will award up to $3 million for the next three years supporting two types of grants:
- Grants between $10,000 and $50,000 each that could support personnel costs, operations and equipment.
- Grants between $50,000 and $500,000 each for larger investments such as machinery or other capital improvements.
Both types of grants will require some amount of matching contributions.
Who can apply?
Businesses and nonprofit organizations involved in reducing, reusing, recycling, composting or recovering energy from greater Portland’s discarded materials may apply. The program will also look to invest in projects that help advance Metro’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals by supporting economic opportunities for, and equitable services to, historically marginalized communities.
What do I need to know about the process?
All applicants are required to participate in a pre-application process that allows potential applicants and Metro to connect on concepts and understand in advance what may be a project that qualifies. Applicants must submit pre-application materials by 4 p.m. on Friday, July 13. Metro will host optional workshops for applicants on June 19.
Learn more
Community enhancement grants
This is a long-standing grant program funded by fees at Metro Central transfer station. The funds are then turned into grants for projects that improve the neighborhoods that are closest to that facility.
How much money is available?
Last year Metro awarded grants of up to $50,000, and a total of nearly $240,000, to 10 projects. The committee will consider grant applications requesting up to two years to complete.
Who can apply?
Individuals, community groups, neighborhoods, nonprofits, schools and school groups, government agencies, faith groups and service groups with nonprofit or other tax-exempt status may apply. Metro encourages applications for projects that involve the leadership and meaningful participation of people of color, immigrants, elders, youth, those with disabilities, low-income residents, and other underrepresented groups.
What do I need to know about the process?
Metro is now receiving applications. The deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 14. Metro will host an information session about the grants on Aug. 1.
Learn more